Channahon, IL asked in Insurance Bad Faith for Illinois

Q: My neighbor had a huge rubbish fire that melted the siding on my shed. Are they responsible for the damage?

They said they didn't light the fire. The location of the large fire pile is only 15 feet from my shed. Will county is supposed to be 50 feet from neighboring structures

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1 Lawyer Answer
Robert Shipley
PREMIUM
Answered

A: If your neighbor was responsible for the fire you describe and it ultimately caused damage to your property then the neighbor would be responsible for paying the cost of the damage to your shed. If the neighbor did not actually start the fire, but was aware that there was a fire, then they would still likely be responsible. It may be best for you, subject to the dollar value of the damage (cost to repair) and the deductible on your insurance policy, to make a claim with your homeowner's insurance, so that the damage can be repaired. The insurance company would then make the decision as to whether it wanted to pursue your neighbor for reimbursement.

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